By Ashley Wiebe

SPCA to release details on euthanasia following online allegations

Aug 1, 2018 | 4:59 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — Allegations a local animal shelter is euthanizing animals to free up space are being disputed.

Last month, two former employees of the Medicine Hat SPCA took to social media with their allegations. The SPCA denies the claims and beginning today has a new way of informing the public about any animals that are put down.

The original Facebook post has been circulating since July 23rd and has been shared more than 600 times. It alleges several healthy animals were euthanized to free up space.

Since then, the SPCA has made several posts on Facebook outlining what their euthanasia policy is, which states “The Medicine Hat SPCA does not euthanize healthy or treatable animals, even when the shelter is full, reserving humane euthanasia for terminally ill animals or those considered dangerous to public safety.”

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It goes on to read “A vet will determine whether or not an animal needs to be euthanized due to an incurable illness that causes extreme suffering and pain. An animal behavioural expert or the vet will determine if an animal needs to be euthanized due to violent and complex behaviours that cause extreme danger to the public.”

Two days after the allegations were made, Cypress View Vet Clinic released its own statement regarding the allegations on the SPCA’s Facebook page.

The clinic said they “do not perform euthanasia(s) on healthy animals. Our veterinarians consult with our clients about the decision of euthanasia based on several factors.”

As of August 1st the SPCA has decided to make information about the animals euthanized available to the public.

A binder will detail vet recommended and approved euthanasia.

The information will include the animal’s name and the reason it was put down according to the veterinarian.

We reached out to the SPCA to hear more about the policy and why they’re now offering this information to the public.

We were told to contact the board of directors who were given multiple chances to comment but refused an interview and instead directed us to the SPCA Facebook page.